This
database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available.
American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time.
.
in two shakes of a lamb`s tail
What does in two shakes of a lamb`s tail mean? | quickly, in no time at all | "I will have this finished in two shakes of a lamb`s tail and then I will give it to you."
|
|
Some Random Idioms
| |
strike while the iron is hot
What does "strike while the iron is hot" mean? | to take action quickly and at a good opportunity | to take action quickly and at a good opportunityWhen I heard about the new job I quickly sent in my application in order to strike while the iron was hot.
|
|
| |
put out (some) feelers
What does "put out (some) feelers" mean? | to attempt to find out something without being too obvious about it | I put out some feelers to see if it would be easy to find another job.
|
at one with (someone)
What does "at one with (someone)" mean? | to share the same view as others, to be in agreement with others | The members of the committee are at one with me over my decision to cancel the meeting.
|
get off the ground
What does "get off the ground" mean? | to make a successful beginning |
We were unable to get the new product off the ground but we will try again next year.
|
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
What does "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." mean? | Our feeling for those we love increases when we are
apart from them. | "Cheer up Dude, everybody knows that absence makes the heart grow fonder."
In 1604, Shakespeare echoed this sentiment in "Othello" (Act 1, scene ii), when Desdemona confessed, "I dote upon his very absence." James Howell, in "Familiar Letters" (1650) says that, "Distance sometimes endears friendship, and absence sweeteneth it."
There are other references to this proverb in literature, but it was originally the first line of an anonymous poem which appeared in Davison's "Poetical Rhapsody" in 1602. |
close at hand
What does "close at hand" mean? | to be within reach |
The day that the new coach will be chosen is now close at hand.
|
|
| |
a snap
What does "a snap" mean? | an easy task | The exam was a snap and I am sure that I did very well.
|
read (someone's) mind
What does "read (someone's) mind" mean? | to guess what someone is thinking (as if one has special powers to see someone's thoughts) | The girl told her boyfriend that she cannot read his mind and that he must tell her what he wants.
|
come a long way
What does "come a long way" mean? | to make great progress | The manager has come a long way and has learned many things about his new company.
|
a kink in one's neck
What does "a kink in one's neck" mean? | a cramp in one's neck that causes pain |
I have a kink in my neck and it hurts when I turn my head.
|